Clinical Integration

Integrating Medical and Behavioral Healthcare

Mental health and physical health are closely related. Yet community members that need more than one sort of health service are often treated in siloes. There’s a system for medical care, another for mental health and a third for substance abuse. It’s inefficient. It’s difficult for patients and providers. And research shows that it leads to poorer health.

Our vision is a region where physical and behavioral health are addressed in a seamless system. The result is more coordinated care for patients and better access to the services they need.

We are excited to help organize this integration in Southwest Washington. The idea sounds simple. However, it requires making big changes to our current system.

Partnering for a Healthier Future

To create this healthier future, SWACH will help providers with steps along the way. For example:

— Using shared care plans that improve the whole-health of individuals.
— Tracking treatments in new patient registries, increasing coordination between providers.
— Tapping new evidence-based screening methods that improve prevention and treatment.
— Switching to value-based payment, so that providers are paid based on results rather than how many patients they see.

Southwest Washington is Already Making Progress

In 2016, Southwest Washington began this process by combining payment and claims systems for Medicaid clients. Today, the same organization pays providers for medical and behavioral healthcare. This creates a more seamless system for behavioral and physical health services.

Washington State refers to this shift as Fully Integrated Managed Care (FIMC). Read more at the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) website. The early results are promising. But this is just the beginning. There’s much more work ahead to fully integrate and transform our region’s care. We’re committed to continuing this work with the support of our partners locally and beyond.

Bringing Together Community Voices and Healthcare Professionals

Integration requires collaboration between health care professionals, payers and more. And it’s important to include community voices throughout this process.

Our Clinical Integration Committee helps connect the dots between those who are involved with and impacted by this effort. Learn more about the committee here.